Dec 26 2009
How Efficient Are the Various Birth Control Methods
Birth control helps couples prevent unwanted pregnancies, and some methods also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. While in the past birth control used to apply mainly to women, men also have choices. The condom is definitely the most common form of birth control, particularly when you are not involved in a stable relationship. Before moving on to have a brief look over the main birth control possibilities, we need to emphasize the fact that they ought to be chosen considering several factors
Have you got a stable relationship?
Do you change partners frequently?
Do you want to have a baby?
Have you you evaluated your health condition?
How often do you have sex?
What is the efficiency level of method? Are there side effects?
People who have occasional sex partners should always use condoms not only for birth control but also for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Only discuss other birth control methods with your partner if you are involved in a long term relationship.
The pros and cons of a birth control options should be discussed with the health care provider. Some methods are totally safe and non-invasive while others pose some health hazards although minimal. The effectiveness of the method often comes into discussion. Abstinence or the decision not to have sex is the one that provides the best birth control, otherwise no method offers 100% efficiency. You could reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy by combining several contraceptive method.
The choice of a birth control method proves difficult difficult for women in more special conditions. Age could be an impediment if the woman is too young or if she approaches menopause. Then, there is chronic disease that reduces the number of birth control choices as well as various physical disabilities.
Emergency contraception should also be mentioned as a form of birth control although it cannot be used on a regular basis. Two pills taken twelve hours apart can prevent unwanted pregnancies if used within maximum five days after the unprotected intercourse. The effect resembles that of regular hormonal birth control, even if the efficiency rate is between 75% and 85%. Emergency birth control has limitations and a higher exposure for adverse reactions.
